Recently traded Maycee Bell is now Gotham FC's final draft pick

On Wednesday, after less than a season with NJ/NY Gotham FC, the 2024 draft pick Maycee Bell was traded to the North Carolina Courage. In exchange, the Bats received "$80,000 in allocation money as well as $10,000 in intra-league transfer funds, in which the intra-league transfer fund amount is subject to increase further per performance-based add-ons."

This was a little shocking since Bell is such a talented defender. Gotham FC has depth, but she was thought to be a major contributor over the next few years. She was drafted 14th overall in this year's draft and was the only selection by the club. This illuminated she was highly regarded. She was also playing a decent amount of minutes for a rookie.

Regardless of the reason for the trade, one thing is true: Bell is now the last player to be drafted by Gotham FC.

Maycee Bell is Gotham FC's last drafted player

On Thursday, the new NWSL collective bargaining agreement was announced by the NWSL and NWSL Players Association. As part of the CBA, which mostly went into effect on July 30, the draft has been eliminated. In other words, players will be able to choose their first team rather than be chosen by the club. This move is a first in US sports, and perhaps this will lead other leagues, specifically Major League Soccer, to make a similar move.

Moreover, this means there will not be an expansion draft as well. New teams will build their clubs entirely via free agency, trades, and more. Plus, there will no longer be limited free agencies, for players will have full control when their contracts expire. With trades, the players must approve the moves. In the case of Bell, it can be assumed she was okay with the trade. Perhaps she wanted to leave the New York area and return to a location she was familiar with.

This is a fantastic move by the NWSL and players. It is good to see a new CBA agreed upon ahead of schedule and one that favors the players. The removal of the draft is a huge step forward to help keep the league as one of the best leagues in the world. Many would argue, in the sense of soccer, the draft is outdated.

Therefore, teams like Gotham FC would have to convince the future Jenna Nighswongers to sign with the club. At this rate, with the direction the Bats are going, it probably would not be hard to do so.

Returning to Bell, it is sad to see her leave after less than one season with Gotham FC. Hopefully, the defender will find success with North Carolina.